About FNIGC

Vision

The First Nations Information Governance Centre envisions that every First Nation will achieve data sovereignty in alignment with its distinct world view.

Mission

With First Nations, we assert data sovereignty and support the development of information governance and management at the community level through regional and national partnerships. We adhere to free, prior and informed consent, respect nation-to-nation relationships, and recognize the distinct customs of nations.

Core Strategic Objectives

Our Vision and Mission are guided by our Core Strategic Objectives

Our approach is Community-driven and Nation-based
Our data are inclusive, meaningful, and relevant to First Nations
Our tools are effective, adaptable, and accessible
Our partnerships connect regions to strengthen data sovereignty

Our Work

FNIGC is committed to providing quality information that contributes to improving the health and well-being of First Nations people in Canada.

In collaboration with our regional partners, FNIGC conducts unique data-gathering initiatives that enable our partners to support First Nations governments to build culturally relevant portraits of their communities.

FNIGC supports First Nations communities by contributing directly to building data and statistical capacities at national, regional, and community levels, including the provision of credible and relevant information on First Nations. In addition to conducting a number of surveys, FNIGC is responsible for a wide range of other work. We oversee data collection on First Nations reserves and in northern communities, conduct research, engage in knowledge translation and dissemination activities, offer education and training, and promote the advancement of the First Nations principles of OCAP^®.

Critically, FNIGC and our regional partners follow established protocols, policies, and procedures that are guided by a holistic cultural framework.

Ultimately, FNIGC is a tool that rights-holding First Nations can use, via our governance, to assert sovereignty over their data and information.

Learn more about FNIGC

FNIGC Quick Facts

What is FNIGC?

When was FNIGC established?

FNIGC came into being as an incorporated non-profit on April 22, 2010, but its data sovereignty work stretches back to 1996. That’s when the Assembly of First Nations formed a National Steering Committee with the intent of creating a new national First Nations health survey, in response to the Federal Government’s 1994 decision to exclude First Nations people living on-reserve from three major longitudinal surveys.

What does FNIGC do?

FNIGC does a wide range of work including research, training, capacity building, and knowledge translation, but our foundational work involves data gathering initiatives on- reserve and in Northern First Nations communities. These include the First Nations Regional Health Survey (FNRHS), the First Nations Regional Early Childhood, Education and Employment Survey (FNREEES), the First Nations Labour and Employment Development (FNLED) survey, and the First Nations Community Survey (FNCS), which we conduct in collaboration with our regional partners.

FNIGC is also home to the First Nations principles of OCAP^®, a set of standards that establish how First Nations data should be collected, protected, used, or shared. They are the de facto standard for how to conduct research with First Nations. OCAP^® (which stands for ownership, control, access, and possession) means that First Nations control data collection processes in their communities and that First Nations own, protect, and control how their information is used. Access to First Nations data is important, and under OCAP^® First Nations determine how and when external researchers and academics are allowed to access and use their information.

Where is FNIGC located?

Our History

FNIGC became an independent, incorporated non-profit entity on April 22, 2010. But our history can be traced back to 1996, when the Assembly of First Nations formed a National Steering Committee to design a new national First Nations health survey in response to a decision from the Federal Government to exclude First Nations people living on reserve from three major population surveys.

Explore our Timeline to explore the growth of the NSC, the conception of the First Nations principles of OCAP^®, the creation of the First Nations Regional Health Survey, and other historically significant milestones.

Explore Our Timeline

Our Board of Directors

FNIGC By-law No. 1 allows for one Director to be appointed from each region, in accordance with regional processes, and up to two non-voting Directors appointed by the Assembly of First Nations.

Meet our current Board of Directors

Our Members

There are two categories of members of the corporation: (1) regional organizations, and (2) Assembly of First Nations (non-voting). Members provide important insights, help set priorities, and help drive FNIGC’s Vision and Mission.

Meet our Members

Our Leadership Team

In line with FNIGC By-Law No. 1, the Board of Directors has appointed a Chief Executive Officer who is responsible for FNIGC Operations, including all staff.

Meet Our Leadership Team

Our Career Opportunities

Are you a First Nations or allied professional with a passion for First Nations data sovereignty?
We would love to hear from you.

See our current opportunities